Delegates Prepare for General Synod

Delegates virtual gathering for General Synod orientation. (L-R) Edith, Steven, Fred Kandeler (guest), Ellen, Kayla, Helena, Caela, Rachael Pryor (guest), Gage, Erik

Every two years in the life of the United Church of Christ, delegates from across our denomination gather as a community to experience General Synod. Much more than simply a time for rules and amendments, this is an opportunity to deepen our covenantal commitment to one another. In the UCC, we are a covenant people, and this means that we work together - locally, within the Conference, and nationally - to deepen our commitment to justice and the work of the church.

This year, we are fortunate to welcome a diverse group of delegates who will be attending a most unusual Synod. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was decided in the summer of 2020 to hold a virtual event. This meant that, regrettably, the Kansas-Oklahoma & Missouri Mid-South Conferences would not be the site of the 2021 Synod, which had originally been scheduled to be held in Kansas City.

On May 1st, delegates gathered virtually for an orientation session with Edith Guffey, Conference Minister. Delegates for 2021 include:

Kayla Bonewell

Church of the Open Arms & Cathedral of Hope, Oklahoma City, OK

Steven Christofferson

Mayflower Congregational Church UCC, Oklahoma CIty, OK

Gage Church

Central Congregational Church, Topeka, KS

Erik Graefe

Zion UCC, Junction City, KS

Helena Lord

Plymouth Congregational Church, Lawrence, KS

Ellen Neufeld

St. Peter's United Church of Christ, Inman, KS

Caela Simmons-Wood

Associate Delegate, Vice Chair of the Conference
First Congregational Church, Manhattan, KS

Kayla writes about Synod, "I wanted to be a delegate because I enjoy being part of our wider UCC community. I'm really looking forward to the guest speaker, Valerie Kaur, whose recent book "See No Stranger" is amazing. Please join us at "Cyber-Synod' this year by registering as a guest."

We are excited to hear about our delegates experiences at this gathering. Stay tuned for more articles about Synod as we approach this historic virtual event.

General Synod will be held July 11-18, 2021 and registration is now open.

Visit generalsynod.org for more information.